Hunter was born in New York City, New York to immigrants from Germany. His father, Charles Kelm, was Jewish and his mother, Gertrude Gelien, a Lutheran who later converted to Judaism. Within a few years of his birth, his parents divorced and his mother moved with her two sons to California. She reassumed her maiden surname, Gelien, and changed the sons' name to that as well. Hunter's older brother, Walter, a medic, was killed in Vietnam. As a teenager, Hunter was a figure skater, competing in both singles and pairs.
Hunter was signed to a contract at Warner Bros. and re-named "Tab Hunter" by his first agent, Henry Willson. His good looks got him pegged as a teen idol. He landed a role in the film Island of Desire opposite Linda Darnell. Although he believed that he had a mediocre singing voice, he had a 1957 hit record with a cover of the Sonny James song, "Young Love," which was #1 for Hunter for over a month. Hunter's success led Warner Bros. to form Warner Bros. Records.
Hunter was perhaps best known for his starring role in the 1958 musical movie, Damn Yankees. In the movie, Hunter plays Joe Hardy of Washington D.C's American League baseball club. (The movie had originally been a broadway show, but Hunter was only in the movie version. The show was based on the 1954 best-selling book, "The Year The Yankees Lost the Pennant" by Douglass Wallop).
While doing The Tab Hunter Show (1960-1961) on television, he was one of the finalists for the lead in the movie version of West Side Story, but did not get the part, because the producers felt he was "too old" at 29. On July 9, 1960, he was arrested by Glendale, California police for beating his dog. He was acquitted by a jury, but the incident dealt a severe blow to his squeaky-clean image.
For a short time in the late 1960s, Hunter settled in the south of France, where he acted in "spaghetti westerns". His career was revived in the 1980s, when he starred opposite transvestite actor Divine in John Waters' Polyester (1981) and Paul Bartel's Lust in the Dust (1985). He is particularly remembered by later audiences as Mr. Stewart, the substitute teacher in "Grease 2," when he sang "Reproduction." He also wrote and starred in Dark Horse (1992).
Personal life
In his autobiography, Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star, he acknowledged his homosexuality, confirming rumors that had circulated since the height of his fame. The book became a best-seller, though the news of his relationship with Paramount star Anthony Perkins was first explored in the book Anthony Perkins: Split Image (Alyson Books).
Hunter lived in Montecito, California, near Santa Barbara with his partner of 23 years, film producer Allan Glaser. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6320 Hollywood Blvd.
Hunter's homosexuality contrasted sharply with his image as a "ladies man." His agent planted stories in teen and gossip magazines that Hunter was involved with many famous young starlets of the day, and, for a long time, Hunter was linked as Natalie Wood's "boyfriend." At a party the two attended, a female songwriter in attendance quipped openly, "Natalie Wood, but Tab wouldn't."
His agent and later his studio would go so far as to have Hunter appear at red carpet events and at night clubs with the starlet he was linked to.
I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time
Tab Hunter Lyrics
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I'll be with you and change your name to mine.
One day in May, I'll hear you say,
"Happy the bride the sun shines on today."
What a wonderful wedding there will be.
What a wonderful day for you and me.
Church bells will chime.
You will be mine
In Tab Hunter's song "Apple Blossom Time," the singer expresses the depth of his love and his intentions for the future. He assures his partner that he will remain committed and devoted to her even during the challenges that may come their way. The lyrics "I'll be with you in apple blossom time" signify the promise of staying true to his loved one through thick and thin. He even goes as far as to imply that he intends to marry this person when he sings "I'll be with you and change your name to mine." The chorus paints a beautiful picture of the wedding day, with church bells ringing, the sun shining, and the bride and groom both filled with happiness, surrounded by apple blossoms.
It is apparent from the lyrics of Tab Hunter's "Apple Blossom Time" that there is a strong sense of commitment and loyalty that the singer wants to convey to his loved one. Through the song, he promises to stand by her in the most beautiful and joyous of times, as well as even during the tough times. The lyrics also suggest that he is looking forward to a happy future with her, which shows that he believes in the power of true love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be with you in apple blossom time.
I promise to be with you during the blossoming of apple trees.
I'll be with you and change your name to mine.
I will marry you and you will take my last name.
One day in May, I'll hear you say, "Happy the bride the sun shines on today."
On a sunny day in May, you will express your happiness as a bride.
What a wonderful wedding there will be.
The wedding ceremony will be unforgettable.
What a wonderful day for you and me.
The wedding day will be great, both for you and me.
Church bells will chime.
The sound of ringing bells from the church will be heard.
You will be mine
You will become my spouse.
In apple blossom time.
All of this will take place during the blossoming of apple trees.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALBERT VON TILZER, NEVILLE FLEESON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@darrylcpreston4043
Tab's much maligned voice was made for this arrangement. Great song!
@PeterEmmert-theGreyGoose
Kookie, Kookie! Lend Me Tab Hunter! If it wasn't for Tab, there wouldn't be a Warner Bros. Records or their joint venture with Rhino Records.